A Catholic priest on Thursday recounted before the Federal High Court in Abuja the terrifying moment armed attackers stormed St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, during the 5 June 2022 service, leaving more than 40 worshippers dead and many others injured.
Testifying behind a protective screen, the priest — whose identity was withheld for security reasons — said the attackers struck just as the Pentecost Sunday Mass was drawing to a close.
According to him, the congregation had begun singing the recessional hymn when a sudden, powerful blast shook the church. At first, he thought someone had collapsed, but confusion quickly spread as worshippers scrambled for safety.
He told the court that senior members of the parish immediately shut the main entrance and urged him to
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leave the sanctuary as gunshots rang out outside. Despite his initial reluctance — especially with children present — he led several youngsters and adults into a small adjoining room used as a safe space.
“It was a day I will never forget,” he said. “The community was gathered in worship when everything changed within seconds. Many lives were lost, and many others have been permanently affected.”
The priest explained that after the attackers left, parishioners emerged to help the wounded and transport them to nearby hospitals. He later provided a formal statement to the Department of State Services (DSS) in Akure as part of the investigation.
The hearing is part of the ongoing trial of five individuals the authorities have accused of belonging to the Al-Shabab terrorist network and of orchestrating the attack.
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